290 MANUAL OF FRUIT DISEASES 
drooping inclination, while the Crawford has a short, wide, 
crescent-shaped leaf which stands at right angles to the twig. 
The first evidences of little-peach appear comparatively 
late in the growing season. It is still evident late in 
September. The fruit, instead of ripening prematurely as in ° 
the case of yellows, remains small and ripens about ten days 
later than is normal for the variety. The flavor of affected 
fruit is inferior, although the color may be as desirable as in 
healthy fruit. The flesh is characterized as stringy, especially 
in the case of early clingstone varieties. The pits of such fruits 
are smaller and shriveled, and almost invariably fail to sprout. 
Leaves on affected trees exhibit a light or yellowish green color, 
and those at the base and through the center of the tree show 
a rolled and drooped aspect. In severe cases all leaves on a 
tree show this symptom. This calls to mind certain stages 
of the yellows with which the little-peach disease may be 
confused, and unless the tree is bearing fruit at the time of the 
diagnosis it is difficult to determine which disease is present. 
However, the distinction between the two troubles is of no 
practical importance, and neither yellows nor little-peach is 
likely to be confused with other diseases. It is difficult to 
detect little-peach in young trees, but a possible character has 
been suggested, namely, a decided erect growth of numerous 
short twigs. Affected trees usually die within three or four 
years after infection. 
Summarizing the prominent symptoms of little-peach, the 
following should be noted: the fruit remains small, about 
one-half or one-third its usual diameter, it ripens about ten days 
later than normal fruit, and possesses a bitter flavor and a 
stringy flesh; the leaves are small, light to yellowish green, and 
droop or incurve to some extent. 
Cause. . 
This phase of little-peach has been the subject of no little 
investigation, but practically no progress has been made. The 
